The debate over alcohol

The government, in a special coordinating meeting on political affairs and security, has decided to reevaluate the provincial regulations on alcoholic beverages that are, at present, being drafted in a number of regions. This decision, involving regulations which are now being prepared in 15 provinces and are designed to limit and control the sale of alcoholic beverages, can only be welcomed.

For several weeks, protests have been aired by ulemas (Moslem religious leaders) and Moslem students in a number of provinces. They have demanded a withdrawal of the draft regulations, which in several provinces, were ready for discussion in the local legislatures.

Alcoholic beverages appear to have become a dilemma. On the one hand, we want to protect our domestic industries. On the other hand, Moslems -- for whom the beverages are haram (prohibited) -- make up the majority of our population.

KH Hasan Basri, the chairman of the Council of Indonesian Ulemas, has personally asked the government to first prohibit alcoholic beverages and than regulate their sale in cases where exceptions must be made.

Although this particular fatwa (ruling) has as yet not received a response, the government's decision to reevaluate the existing draft regulations will at least open the door for everyone concerned to review the demerits and usefulness of alcoholic beverages as a domestic industrial product, as well as a tourist need in the present stage of development.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta